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In this Razer Basilisk Ultimate review, we’re breaking down one of their most luxurious wireless mouse models that features the best tech the brand has to offer along with a plethora of buttons.

But is it really worth spending a small fortune on considering all the great alternatives out there? Can Razer justify its sky-high price tag with its mix of bleeding-edge performance and a catchy aesthetic? Let’s find out, shall we?

Can’t spare the time to read the whole review? Just click any of the links below and you can skip right to that section.

What is the Razer Basilisk Ultimate?

Razer’s Basilisk line of gaming mice features the brand’s proprietary optical sensor as well as a higher degree of functionality through a greater number of buttons. Our recent review of the Razer Basilisk V2 showed an outstanding wired mid-range mouse that may be a little on the expensive side but manages to dazzle with its good-looks, extra controls, and top-notch performance.

The Basilisk Ultimate takes it a step further by doing away with the pesky cord in favour of first-rate wireless tech and adding extra customizable RGB zones for a better light show. Razer even sweetened the deal by throwing in an optional charging dock which is a nice touch.

As expected from a luxury Razer device, the Basilisk Ultimate is one of the most expensive wireless gaming mice we’ve come across, sporting a price tag that’s a lot higher than the already pricey Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED.

Features

Sensor

The Basilisk Ultimate features Razer’s signature Focus+ optical sensor that boasts a fantastic 20,000 DPI and a remarkable 1000 Hz polling rate, making it an amazing choice even for games that demand the most cat-like reflexes.

Connectivity

It connects primarily via its wireless USB receiver that can either be plugged in directly to your PC or to the optional charging dock which can be used as an extension. If you fancy a wired connection to charge as you game, the mouse also comes with an excellent 1.8-metre long USB cable.

Buttons

This mouse boasts a total of 11 programmable buttons that include a left and right wheel tilt as well as a Hypershift button that offers gamers another set of programmable controls.

Battery Life

At full charge, you can get around 100 hours of continuous use without RGB functionality and approximately 36 hours with the lights turned on which is remarkable. This is a fair bit longer than the already impressive Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE.

Software

Razer’s Synapse 3 companion software is one of the best there is and allows you to painlessly customize all of the Basilisk Ultimate’s features, including the programmable buttons, pointer sensitivity, RGB lights, and custom profiles.

Design and comfort

Razer’s Basilisk models have always been know for their wonderfully comfortable form factor and the Basilisk Ultimate is no different. It’s essentially identical to the Basilisk V2 and Basilisk X HyperSpeed with its slanted design and oversized thumb rest, but with a more luxurious-feeling texture on the thumb portion.

The mouse’s shape and smart button placement make it excellent for both palm and claw grips no matter your hand size, though smaller mitts may have a hard time reaching the sniper button if you prefer the latter grip style.

Unlike the Logitech G502 and Corsair Dark Core Pro SE which both come with optional weights, the Razer Basilisk Ultimate offers no such thing but its cableless weight of 107g should be optimal for most gamers anyway. It’s crafted out of high-grade plastic that’s built to last and is tightly assembled with no noticeable wobbly sections or loose parts.

As looks go, this mouse is one of Razer’s louder offerings thanks to its more angular design and asymmetrical highlights. But it’s all tastefully put together down to the everpresent triple-snakes logo and gorgeous RGB strips on either side of the mouse wheel. If you like your mice a little more “gamer” looking, the Basilisk Ultimate is as handsome as they come.

If you choose the variant that includes the charging dock, which we definitely recommend, you’ll be treated to a lowkey trapezoidal cradle that has its own RGB strip lined along its bottom portion.

What’s it like to use?

Setting up the Basilisk Ultimate is as easy as plugging in the wireless USB receiver and switching on the peripheral. It’s intuitive enough right out of the box, but you’ll want to install the user-friendly Razer Synapse 3 app to fine-tune the mouse’s sensitivity and customize its bevy of programmable buttons and RGB array. Thanks to its onboard memory, all your settings will be saved in case you decide to switch PCs.

Unfortunately, the software is only compatible with Windows, so if you’re using a Mac you’ll need to do all your customizing on a Windows PC first then save your settings. A bit of a hassle, sure. But at least there’s a workaround.

When it comes to performance, the Basilisk Ultimate gives one of our personal favourites – the G502 LIGHTSPEED – a run for its money. The Razer Focus+ sensor’s 20,000 DPI may be a little lower than the HERO 25K, but it’s still insanely high and should be more than enough for any gamer, pros included, to fully utilize.

Its impeccable 7ms click latency is even more impressive than the G502 LIGHTSPEED’s speedy 12ms and should have no discernable difference in delay to a wired peripheral. As performance goes, the Basilisk Ultimate is as first-class as they come.

The buttons are all arranged to be easily accessible (save for the sniper button in small hands) and offer the right amount of tactile feedback when pressed. The inclusion of a HyperSense button that allows for a second set of customizable controls adds a whole new level of functionality to an already impressive repertoire.

When we put the mouse to the test with a few rounds of Call of Duty: Warzone, movement and aiming felt extremely precise and satisfying. Switching between the sensitivities of an assault-type weapon and a sniper rifle was seamless and simple thanks in part to the nifty sniper button and, of course, the mouse’s exceptional sensor precision.

Final Thoughts

The Basilisk Ultimate is an extravagant piece of gaming equipment. Quite possibly one of the most expensive gaming mice on the market, in fact. But it’s not because of any gimmicks or elaborate designs. It’s simply magnificent at what it does.

Armed with one of the best sensors on the market, amazingly low click latency, a gorgeous but tough design, and all the buttons you can ask for, there really isn’t much this mouse can’t do. If you can swing the extra cash, the Razer Basilisk Ultimate is easily one of the best wireless gaming mice on the planet. Just make sure to cop the fabulous charging dock along with it.

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With so many big gaming brands dishing out affordable monitors, does Spectre’s offering have the technological chops to earn your business? That’s what we aim to figure out, in this Sceptre E248W-19203RS review.

Don’t have the time to read through the whole review? Just click any of the links below and we’ll send you straight to that section:

What is the Sceptre E248W-19203RS?

The E248W-19203RS is part of Spectre’s 3RS lineup that mixes productivity and play. It started with the 1920 model and they slowly started adding confusingly similar letters and numbers at the end to denote improved variants for different purposes.

The , for one, features a different panel and better refresh rate compared to the original but still manages to maintain its speedy response time. It also comes with a sync type that’s notably absent from other variants, making it a little more gaming-inclined.

On the official Spectre website, the monitor retails for $129.99 which is 30 bucks more expensive than the excellent Acer KG221Q. In return, however, you get a bigger screen, superior panel, and a prettier design which is one of the KG221Q’s weaker elements.

Features

Screen

The Spectre E248W-19203RS features a flat 23.8″ screen with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 (also known as Full HD or FHD for short) that’s just right for its size. It has a maximum refresh rate of 75 Hz which is above the 60 Hz average and perfect for entry-level GPUs that aren’t expected to reach particularly high FPS. Its decent (but not great) 5 ms response time also helps create a smoother overall gaming experience.

Panel/Stand

This monitor utilizes a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel which is a nice middle ground between the excellent visual quality that comes with an IPS panel and the impressive performance of a TN alternative. The stand allows for a 15° backwards and a 5° forwards tilt but can’t be swivelled left or right and its height can’t be adjusted.

If you plan on ditching the stand and mounting it instead, the monitor does allow VESA mounting with a 75 x 75 mm pattern.

G-Sync/FreeSync

Unlike its other variants, the E248W-19203RS comes with AMD FreeSync which minimizes screen tearing in graphics cards that support it.

Ports

It’s a bit lacking in this department, as the monitor only has two HDMI ports, a VGA port, and input and output 3.5mm audio jacks. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feature any USB ports or a DisplayPort.

Speakers

It may not be enough for more serious gamers, but the E248W-19203RS does come with a pair of built-in 3W speakers which is always a nice addition to have.

Picture Quality

The E248W-19203RS’s VA panel is in full effect, as the screen’s colour palette is rendered with a distinct level of accuracy and a far more vibrant colour gamut compared to the Acer KG221Q. In addition to the great colours, its contrast is excellent and blacks look deep and satisfying.  You’re also getting better viewing angles all around, making it a good choice for console gaming and movie viewing.

In terms of responsiveness, this monitor’s 5ms response time is at a disadvantage compared to the KG221Q’s 1ms, which is to be expected since TN panels sacrifice visual quality for the sake of performance. But the E248W-19203RS still holds its own and is able to keep up with most games fairly well, though faster-paced titles may introduce some visible ghosting.

I felt that the Witcher 3: Blood and Wine expansion’s rich world would be the best way to give the monitor a good test run, and I was right on the money. The game’s vivid landscapes and colourful creatures were all brought to life by the monitor’s spectacular colour range which is not only bright but precise as well.

After nightfall, the E248W-19203RS’s excellent contrast made it easy to navigate the environment and the intense blacks were mostly void of any stray greyness.

What’s it like to use?

The monitor comes in three pieces, the screen, the neck, and the base. Setting it up is easy enough. You just have to insert the top part of the neck into the back of the screen until you hear a click, then line up the indentations on the bottom of the neck with the base, after which you just push and then twist.

The E248W-19203RS’s on-screen display is nice and straightforward, showing most of the features at first glance. You’ll be able to tinker with picture settings, enable the FreeSync feature, and cycle through the presets just to name a few. Luckily enough, you really won’t have to do that much tweaking anyways, since the monitor’s colours are pretty spot-on right out of the box.

You can navigate the OSD options and switch the display on and off using the five buttons located on the right side of the monitor’s rear, which I think is more preferable compared to designs that place the controls along the bottom edge. The buttons are fairly easy to press and usually respond after just one attempt.

Aesthetics

The E248W-19203RS’s design isn’t exactly revolutionary, but its edgeless frame adds a welcome level of class that’s uncommon in monitors of its price range. Just ask the Acer KG221Q’s thick bezels. The rest of its design is exceedingly low-key, from its circular base and slanted neck to the glossy black finish and business-like Sceptre logo on the front.

People who enjoy edgier looks and a more “gamer” aesthetic will likely be very disappointed, but if you prefer low-profile form factors, this monitor’s right up your alley.

Final Thoughts

At a little over a hundred bucks, you really don’t expect monitors to give you much beyond basic gaming features which is what makes the Spectre E248W-19203RS such a pleasant surprise.

Not only are you getting a VA panel with spectacular colour quality and spot-on accuracy, but you’re also getting an edgeless screen, good viewing angles, a refresh rate that keeps up with modern lower-end GPUs, and even AMD FreeSync support. Heck, they even threw in some built-in speakers for good measure.

It does have its fair share of drawbacks like its mediocre response time and some missing ports, but that’s a small price to pay for all the things it does right. If you don’t mind sacrificing a tiny bit of the Acer KG221Q’s smoothness and have 30 bucks to spare, you can’t go wrong with the Spectre  E248W-19203RS.

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But the budget gaming headset business is rife with stiff competition, including Razer’s aforementioned BlackShark V2 X and their older mid-ranged models like the excellent Kraken Tournament Edition currently sold at lower price points. That being said, can one of the oldest brands in gaming bring enough to the table to warrant your buy-in? That’s what we’re here to find out, in this SteelSeries Arctis 1 review.

In a rush and can’t get through the whole review? Just click any of the links below and you’ll skip right to that section:

What is the SteelSeries Arctis 1?

Arctis is what SteelSeries likes to call its roster of gaming headsets which range from entry-level all the way up to premium. The Arctis 1 sits at the lowest end of the lineup, offering stellar audio performance and comfort but giving up a lot of extra features in the process.

You can’t tell that the headset was built for gaming from its looks alone, as its plainer form factor and one-tone colour scheme is a stark departure from the majority of its Arctis siblings. It’s a neat design that’s sleeker and more professional-looking, making attractive towards gamers who enjoy lowkey peripherals.

It’s listed at $60 on the official SteelSeries website, but you can get it for 50 bucks on Amazon at the time of this writing which is $10 cheaper than the  BlackShark V2 X.

Features

Connectivity

This is an exclusively wired headset that connects to compatible devices via a 3.5mm audio cable. There’s a more expensive wireless variant that’ll cost you 50 bucks extra, in case you’re looking to get rid of the cord.

Noise Cancellation

it doesn’t come with active noise cancellation technology but offers enough noise isolation to block out moderately loud conversations in the room and the humming of an AC. However, it struggles against lower frequency noises like car engines.

Accessories

Don’t expect any freebies in the box, as the Arctis 1 only comes with the headset itself, the detachable microphone, and a Y-splitter for connecting the microphone to a PC.

Software

Due to its wired nature and lack of USB connectivity, this headset isn’t compatible with the SteelSeries Engine software.

Sound Quality

We have yet to encounter a SteelSeries headset with substandard sound quality and that includes the Arctis 1. Its bass profile is full-bodied and punchy, providing a satisfyingly boomy experience when playing video games. The mids are precise but a little underwhelming, so vocals and instruments almost always take a back seat to the powerful bass no matter what you’re listening to.

Similarly, the highs are also accurately rendered but aren’t particularly highlighted, meaning mid-ranged frequencies sound dark and sibilants aren’t too well-represented.  Overall, the Arctis 1 is unmistakenly tuned for gaming and our Doom Eternal test run showed just how great it fared in that regard.

Buckshots and explosions sounded extremely satisfying as they ripped apart Doom Slayer’s enemies and the vicious basslines in the adrenaline-pumping soundtrack were bouncy and brilliantly exaggerated.

The headset’s detachable microphone sounds fantastic, making your voice sound clear, detailed, and natural. It also features top-notch sound isolation, eliminating unwanted ambient sounds even in noisier environments.

What’s it like to use?

Since the Arctis 1 is a wired gaming headset, there really isn’t much to setting it up beyond plugging it into a compatible device with a 3.5mm port. This makes it compatible with pretty much any gaming console, including PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. Using it on PCs requires the extra step of hooking it up to the included Y-splitter if you intend on using the headset’s microphone.

Unfortunately, one of the Arctis 1’s biggest drawbacks is its lack of software support which is due to the absence of a USB port or any way to establish a PC data connection. So what you hear is pretty much what you get since you won’t have access to any customization options like a graphic equalizer.

It only comes with a couple of controls, namely the volume dial and a mic mute switch, both of which are easy enough to use though you won’t really know if your mic is muted unless you’ve memorized the switch positioning or you take the time to remove the headset and make sure.

The Arctis 1’s ear cups are well-padded but not quite as much as some of its siblings and the absence of the trademark ski-goggle headband means they aren’t as flexible either.  They are lightweight though, so wearing them feels pleasant overall. However, they aren’t very stable so you should probably stay away from activities that require too much movement, though this shouldn’t really be an issue since it’s a wired headset anyways.

Aesthetics

The Arctis 1’s oval-shaped ear cups are attached to swivels that are, in turn, connected to the headset’s metal frame. Towards the top, the metal frame is encompassed by a plastic shell that forms the headband and the bottom portion is lined with padding. It’s a one-toned peripheral covered entirely in matte black, with the SteelSeries logo and label tattooed on either side of the ear cups.

Visually, what sets the Arctis 1 apart from the rest of the lineup is the absence of the signature adjustable ski-goggle headband, along with the lack of RGB lighting. While this means that the headset is a lot more traditional-looking and lacks a particular sense of flair, it’s bound to be more attractive to gamers who took issue with the louder aesthetic that often accompanied other Arctis headsets and prefer something more subtle.

It isn’t nearly as durable as any of the other Arctis models, which is sort of expected considering its low price. The plastic used across the peripheral doesn’t feel dense and the padded lining isn’t stitched so it’s likely to come off after extended use. The hinges, at least, seem well-made unlike the forked ones used in the BlackShark V2 X.

Final Thoughts

If you ever wondered what a bargain bin version of an Arctis headset would look like, the Arctis 1 is your answer. It leaves out some of the things that make its siblings so memorable, like the ski-google headband and SteelSeries Engine customization options, but manages to retain the superb audio quality and awesome mic that make it a great gaming headset.

It may not be as sophisticated as some of the more expensive peripherals out there, but at 50 bucks you really shouldn’t expect it to be. It sounds great, feels good, and looks classy, and that’s enough to make it one of the better budget gaming headsets on the market.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Review Box

SteelSeries Arctis 1

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In a rush and can’t get through the entire HS70 review? Just click any of the links below and we’ll take you right to that section:

Corsair HS70 Overview?

Corsair has two primary lines of gaming headsets, the edgy Void models that feature oddly-shaped trapezoid ear cups,  and the classier-looking HS models that opt for a more garden-variety circular style.  The Corsair HS70 is the follow-up to the HS60 and is nearly identical to its predecessor except that it ditches the audio cable in favour of wireless connectivity.

So if you were a fan of its older brother, you’ll be glad to know that you’ll still get the fantastic audio design and Virtual Surround Sound that made the original it so loveable. The signature HS look is back too, which is great since it’s one of the line’s best features. It’s stylish enough to catch your eye, but not so overdone that you’d mind wearing them outdoors.

One of the things that pleasantly surprised us about the HS70 is its affordable $100 price tag, which is in line with the fantastic Razer Kraken Tournament Edition but has the advantage of being wireless.

Features

Connectivity

The HS70 utilizes a wireless USB dongle to connect to your PC or PS4 and doesn’t support a wired connection of any kind. If you’re an Xbox owner, this means you’re fresh out of luck, though you might want to try the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Xbox Edition.

Battery Life

The headset offers 15 hours of continuous use which may not be as long as the SteelSeries Arctis 7 but is still great. Unfortunately, since you can only connect to the headset using the wireless dongle, you won’t have the ability to use it while it’s charging.

Surround Sound

It comes with a standard 7.1 Surround Sound feature that you can enable in the companion app but is only available for PC users. When used with a PS4, the sound defaults to stereo,

Noise Cancellation

This headset doesn’t offer any active noise cancellation and its isolation capabilities are fairly subpar. Bass and mid-range isolation are poor so it won’t be able to block out most noises caused by nearby traffic and in-room chatter. Treble isolation is a lot better, mitigating higher-pitches sounds and sibilants.

Accessories

Corsair didn’t pack much in the box beyond the unit itself, a charging cable,  the wireless USB dongle, and the removable microphone.

Sound Quality

The HS70 excels when it comes to sound quality, featuring an exceptional bass-profile that’s deep and punchy, and exaggerated just enough to make it perfect for both gaming and casual music listening. Mids are also fantastic all around, making instruments, vocals, and voice-overs come across accurate and crystal clear.

Trebles aren’t quite as stellar but still great, though you can expect higher frequency instruments and sibilants to sound slightly shrill and sharp. By default, the headset offers great stereo audio distribution between the left and right ear cups, but turning on the 7.1 Surround Sound adds three-dimensional positional audio and a deeper and wider sound stage.

While testing the HS70 with a game of Warzone,  sniper shots and shotgun blasts were accompanied by resounding booms that felt extremely satisfying and left a subtle rumbling in my ear. The Surround Sound feature also made it a lot easier to tell which directions enemies were firing from, though it lacked the precision of the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition’s THX Spatial Audio.

The microphone’s recording quality is okay but it leans a little too much towards the treble, meaning your voice will likely sound a little sharp but still clear and understandable. Fortunately, the mic is a lot better at isolation than the ear cups, allowing it to separate most moderate ambient noises without any trouble, as long as it’s not too loud.

What it’s like to use?

Setting up the HS70 is as simple as connecting the USB dongle and firing up the headset. Most of the controls can be found on the left ear cup, which isn’t much since it’s just the volume control and a button for muting the mic.

The detachable mic is also located on this side, with its socket being a 3.5mm jack. The socket comes with a piece of rubber which you use to cover the socket, though it isn’t attached to anything so it’s easy to lose. On the right ear cup lies a solitary power button. The controls feel tight and provide a good amount of tactile feedback, but more advanced gamers will likely want more buttons and dials to fiddle around with.

The headset supports Corsair’s iCUE app which is straightforward and easy to use, albeit lacking quite a bit when it comes to features. It allows you to do the basics like enabling your Surround Sound, messing with the EQ, and creating your own presets, but not much more beyond that.

Issues have also surfaced among multiple users (myself included) where the drivers installed automatically by Windows were at odds with the Corsair drivers, which resulted in iCUE not recognizing the headset. Fixing it entails a great deal of software and driver installing and uninstalling. In addition, the features that require the iCUE are also sorely missing when used on a PS4.

Just like its older brother, the HS70 is delightfully comfortable thanks to the generous padding and memory foam on its ear cups and headband, as well as the large size of the ear cups themselves which should suit a variety of ear sizes and shapes. Its grip is tight enough to ensure the headset sits still even with some minor movements, just not enough for exercise.

Aesthetics

The HS70’s design leans more on a “gamer” look but it does so in good taste, making the headset look sleek and chic. The large, cylindrical ear cups are made of plastic on the outer side and a plush, padded leatherette on the inner side. They’re connected to metal clamps that join together to form the headband which is encased in more padding.

If you prefer your headsets to be more subtle looking, then the all-black colourway would probably be more your speed, but if you’d rather something more spiffy there’s a black and white colour scheme that’s quite stylish. Corsair didn’t skimp on the materials either, as the headset feels dense and durable and the metal hinges seem like they can handle years of regular use.

Final Thoughts

With the HS70, Corsair manages to nail the basics spectacularly. You’ve got exceptional sound quality, a tough yet good-looking build, and high levels of comfort, all at an affordable price.

Corsair HS70

• Headset Wireless Range Up to 40ft.Headphones fit type:On-Ear.Headphone...
• Adjustable ear cups fitted with plush memory foam provide exceptional...
• High-quality, custom-tuned 50mm neodymium Audio drivers deliver superb...
• An omnidirectional microphone picks up your voice with exceptional clarity,...

$ 139.56

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Yes, it does stumble in a few places like the lacklustre sound isolation and iffy software, but those are things that can easily be forgiven. If you game primarily on PC but want a wireless gaming headset that works well with your PS4 then the Corsair HS70 is right on the money.

FAQs

Full Spec List

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But how well does it fare against the far cheaper Stealth 600? And is it worth your hard-earned cash if you’re also part of the master race? We’re looking at its ins and outs to see just how good it really is, in this SteelSeries Arctis 9x review.

Short on time and can’t read through the entire review? Click any of the links below and you’ll skip right to that section:

What is the SteelSeries Arctis 9x?

Just like the previous entries in SteelSeries’ Arctis lineup, the Arctis 9x is essentially the Xbox variant of their Arctis 9 wireless headset. Since the Xbox requires a different kind of connection compared to PCs and PS4s, tech companies continuously have to come up with special editions that cater specifically to Microsoft’s variety of consoles.

Connectivity aside, the Arctis 9x features the stellar audio fidelity and loveable design that the SteelSeries is known for, along with one of the best batteries we’ve seen in a wireless headset.  It doesn’t come cheap, however, as its $200 price tag puts it in the same room as the fantastic Razer Nari Ultimate, and double the price of the beloved Turtle Beach Stealth 600. The Arctis 9x sports a look that’s easy to love and fairly similar to the other headsets in the SteelSeries roster, though it’s a tad on the wilder side.

Features

Connectivity

The Arctis 9x connects directly to your Xbox consoles in the same way its controllers do – via Xbox Wireless. Unfortunately for PC gamers, you’ll need to purchase the Xbox Controller Adapter separately if you want to connect wirelessly since this version of the headset doesn’t come with a transmitter. Alternatively, you can connect to PCs and smartphones via Bluetooth or 1/8” audio cable.

Battery life

One of the best things about this headset is its amazing battery life which can last up to 28 hours of continuous use. This beats out the Arctis 7’s impressive 24-hour runtime by quite a bit. It also takes only 2 hours to charge it back to full power.

Noise Cancellation

The Arctis 9x doesn’t come with any form of active noise cancelling and its isolation capabilities are mediocre at best. It struggles to block out moderately loud voices in the same room and planes flying overhead will sound just as loud as if you weren’t wearing a headset at all.

Accessories

If you were hoping for some nice freebies you’re going to be sorely disappointed, as this headset only comes with the peripheral itself and its USB to micro-USB charging cable. The wireless transmitter that came with the original is notably missing since this version was built to synergize with the Xbox Wireless feature.

Surround Sound

This variation of the headset utilizes Windows Sonic Spatial Audio which is Microsoft’s version of virtual surround sound.

Software

As with all of its more recent headsets, the Arctis 9x makes use of the intuitive SteelSeries Engine software which allows you to experiment with equalizer levels, create your own presets, adjust your mic volume, and manage your different profiles. There’s also an option to stop the Bluetooth from automatically turning on whenever you fire up the headset. Perhaps its only flaw is that it gives you no control over the Windows Sonic Spatial Audio.

Sound Quality

Luckily for the Arctis 9x, its best feature is the remarkable audio quality that makes it one of the best-sounding headsets for Xbox consoles. Its bass profile boasts great accuracy as lower frequency sounds come across full and punchy. Thuds may not feel as resounding as you’d like and you won’t get as much rumbling as you would with more bass-heavy headsets, but it still sounds fantastic whether you’re playing your favourite shooter or watching a good ol’ action flick.

Its mids are crystal clear, rendering vocals and instruments almost perfectly, and its phenomenal trebles tie everything together nicely, with voices, sound effects, and the musical scores sounding individually distinct and precise.

The Arctis 9x’s microphone offers excellent recording and has your voice sounding nice and clear. You might sound a little crisper than you’re used to which is likely be part of the way the headset separates in-game audio from your vocals. The mic’s noise isolation is also exceptional as it’s able to block out ambient noises in even rowdier environments.

What’s it like to use?

Since the Xbox doesn’t need a USB dongle or wireless transmitter, connecting your headset to the console is even easier than most. Just press the connect button on your console then hold the power button on your headsets for a few seconds and you should receive a prompt telling you that the pairing was successful. As a bonus, you can simultaneously connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and listen to music or continue a phone call while you’re playing.

The Arctis 9x comes with a healthy amount of buttons, all of which are placed in convenient locations on the left and right earcups. The power button doubles as the equalizer preset control and you also have a dedicated button for muting your mic. There are two wheels that control volume and channel mixing while the Bluetooth button serves multiple purposes, including answering and dropping calls and pausing and playing music. This shows you that SteelSeries built the headset for more than just gaming and really intended it for casual use as well.

They didn’t skimp on comfort either, as the large earcups fit a variety of ear shapes and sizes and are well-padded yet permeable. As with other Arctis models, the ski-goggle headband feels great but only if it fits your head well. If your head is a little on the larger side, the headset might feel a bit too snug since the headband’s elasticity is limited. In return, you get a satisfactorily stable experience that can withstand moderate movements without much trouble. Just don’t go using it in the gym or for your daily jog.

Aesthetic

If you’ve seen one Arctis headset, you’ve seen em all. Kidding aside, the Arctis 9x looks a lot like the Arctis 7 which is completely fine considering its design was one of its best features. Its oversized oval earcups are connected to arched swivels that end in hollow square shapes. This is where the ski-goggle style headbands run through, making an adjustable loop that’s more rigid on top but flexible on the bottom and secured together by a velcro flap.

The microphone is pliable and retractable so you can easily move it around or get it out of your way when needed. It’s a great-looking design that’s youthful and fresh but isn’t so loud that you’d avoid using it outdoors. It also happens to be very sturdy thanks to its well-built earcups and the metal sheet that runs through the top of the headband.

Final Thoughts

Xbox fans rejoice, as SteelSeries manages to usher one of the best console-compatible headsets around over to Microsoft’s beloved consoles. The Arctis 9x connects seamlessly through Xbox Wireless and brings a top-shelf audio experience, tremendous battery capacity, and the distinguished build and design that made the Arctis line so famous in the first place.

Be warned, however, that the headset’s connectivity is quite clumsy on PC and you’ll have to buy a Controller Adapter just to make it work. But if you’re on the lookout for the best wireless headset for your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, the SteelSeries Artics 9x is surely a frontrunner.

SteelSeries Arctis 9x

• Integrated Xbox Wireless connectivity: Connect directly to your Xbox Series...
• Bluetooth: Simultaneously connects to Bluetooth and Xbox to mix in music...
• Clearcast Microphone: The Arctis mic uses a bidirectional design, the same...
• Award winning sound: The award winning soundscape of Arctis emphasizes...

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In this Astro A50 Wireless review, we’re going to find out if it makes good on its promises and whether or not it’s time to mortgage your house so you can afford it.

Pressed for time and can’t get through the whole review? Click on any of the links below and you can skip right to that section:

What is the Astro A50 Wireless?

Astro Gaming is actually a branch of the design firm Astro Studios and is dedicated solely to crafting quality headsets aimed at gamers. The Astro A50 originally made its debut back in 2012 and has received several iterations over the years, each bringing moderate improvements over the last. Its fourth and most recent generation dropped last year and with it came a more streamlined charging station, visual tweaks, and way better wireless connectivity.

If you enjoy low-profile headsets, you’ll be disappointed to know that the A50 is the complete opposite. You can tell from a mile away that his headset is intended for gaming thanks to its angular robotic design and abundance of decals. It’s not bad-looking per se, but you’re definitely not gonna want to take a walk around the neighbourhood with this thing on your head.

The Astro A50 is also one of the priciest gaming headsets on the market. – putting it in the same league as the slightly more expensive Sennheiser GSP 670 and Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless.

Features

Battery life

While it’s not quite at the level of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro or the Steelseries Arctis 7, the Astro A50 offers great battery life that lasts for more than 17 hours of continuous use, and charging it back up to full power shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours (four if you’re charging wirelessly via the base station).

Charging station

Unlike the GSP 670 and Arctis Pro Wireless that come with little more than the headset itself, the Astro A50 comes with a base station that acts as a charging dock. It allows for wireless or wired charging and includes USB, aux, and optical ports. The dock is fully compatible with PC and either your PS4 or Xbox depending on the variant you choose. It even displays your battery level, which device you’re connected to, your equalizer preset, and surround sound status.

Noise cancellation

Not only does is this headset void of active noise cancelling, but its noise isolation is exceedingly subpar, allowing most ambient sounds to seep right into the earcups. That being said, you’re going to want a quiet place to game or listen to music in peace.

Software

The A50 Wireless utilizes the Astro Command Center software which is pretty intuitive and easy to use. Problem is, it’s sorely lacking a lot of sought-after features and does little beyond allowing you to customize your presets and assign it to the headset’s equalizer button. You’d expect a premium headset to have premium software, but that’s just not the case.

Connectivity

The headset only connects to devices wirelessly, though its performance has improved markedly over its predecessor, providing seamless performance at low latency.

Sound Quality

One of the Astro A50 Wireless’ most alluring features is its sound quality which is amazing all across the board. Bass notes are spot-on and sound nice and full yet strike a realistic tone, as opposed to most gaming headsets that tend to overdo the lower frequencies so much that you’ll feel your head rumbling between the earcups.

The mids are even more impressive, rendering musical instruments and vocals in a wonderfully precise and crisp fashion. Experiencing dialogues in games and movies is extremely satisfying and listening to your favourite band sing that chorus you love never sounded sweeter. Finally, the fantastic trebles round out the Astro A50’s audio ensemble by ensuring sibilants and cymbals are well-levelled, thus avoiding ear-piercing surprises in the middle of your listening pleasure. Whether you’re playing video games, listening to music, or watching your fifth episode of The Mandalorian in a row, the A50 Wireless always manages to sound fabulous.

As for its microphone, it offers some of the best recording quality in the gaming headset market. It’s a vast improvement over its previous generation as voices this time around come across incredibly defined and remarkably full. This makes it perfect for competitive games that require a lot of talking, like Dota 2 and Overwatch. It’s also great for video chat and voice conferences as well. While the headset itself does a poor job of noise isolation, the mic actually handles noises extremely well by effectively separating ambient sounds from speech. The Command Center app also offers four different microphone profiles for you to choose from depending on the noise level of your surroundings.

What’s it like to use?

Despite its edgy design, the Astro A50 Wireless is exceptionally comfortable thanks to its roomy earcups, gracious amounts of supple padding, and evenly distributed weight. It grips your head just tight enough to allow you to go for hours upon hours of gaming or binge-watching without causing any discomfort. Unfortunately, this looser level of grip makes the headset ill-suited for activities that require a wider degree of motion like walking or exercising.

The buttons offer a satisfying click when pressed and their layout is well-placed and fairly easy to wrap your head around. The controls are mostly gaming-oriented, like the buttons that manipulate the volume levels between in-game sounds and voice chat, and the flip-to-mute feature that silences your mic when you have it raised.

There’s also a button dedicated to cycling between your presets which you can customize through the Astro Command Center app. While we’re on the subject, the Command Center’s UI is refreshingly straightforward, making it easy to see all the features the headset has to offer. I just wish there were more options to play with, like surround sound customization or the ability to deactivate the pesky auto-off feature which automatically shuts off the A50 Wireless if it remains stationary for too long. The feature sounds good on paper but is disastrous for users who simply sit really still during their gaming or viewing sessions.

The headset’s base station is perhaps its most stand-out feature, allowing users to charge the headset wirelessly even while in use. Our favourite thing about the dock is how it provides nifty visuals of the different statuses of the A50, such as its battery level, whether it’s connected to your PC or console, which preset you’re currently on, and whether or not you’re rocking the Dolby surround sound. With Astro throwing in such a great charging station with their premium headset, other top brands need really should start following suit.

Aesthetics

I’m not gonna lie, the Astro A50’s on-the-nose gamer design isn’t for everybody. It’s monochrome, bulky and angular all around, with rods on both its sides connecting the earcups to the headband.

For some reason, the rods have ruler-like notches along its sides that are either functional or there to give it more of a heavy-duty vibe. Astro seems to love slapping their labels on anything they can, whether it’s their brand name, model, or logo, you’ll find one of them wherever you look.

The flat, perforated boom mic is neither retractable nor detachable, meaning it remains very noticeable even if you point it upwards. This pretty much cements the headset’s overall design as a gaming one since nobody’s about to walk around town sporting a mic on the side of their head.

On the plus side, its earpads are magnetic, making them easy to snap off and replace in case they’re damaged or if you just want to swap them out for the comfier synthetic leather ones that come with the A50 Mod Kit. Personally, I like the look of my gaming headsets to be on the subtler side. But if you prefer a more avant-garde peripheral that looks like it was designed by Skynet, then you’re going to love the Astro A50 Wireless.

Final Thoughts

The Astro A50 Wireless’ excessively gamer look may scare away some people, but that really shouldn’t stop you from giving it a real shot. Underneath its futuristic exterior lies a remarkably comfortable headset with sound quality so good that it would give the best in the industry a run for their money. Not to mention the highly functional base station and top-notch microphone.

Astro A50

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We all know this is a lot to spend on a gaming headset, but the Astro A50 Wireless is one of the few that truly makes the price feel justified.

FAQs

Full Spec List

The post Astro A50 Wireless Review – A Wireless Wonder appeared first on Mr Gadget.

Pressed for time and can’t get through the entire review? Just click any of the links below to skip ahead to that section.

What is the SteelSeries Arctis 7?

SteelSeries’ Arctis line refers to their gaming headsets both wireless and wired. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a wireless headset variant that caters to gamers looking for high-quality audio for their PCs and consoles without the hassle of a cord getting in the way. It is SteelSeries’ first truly wireless headset, though the Arctis 3 did have a Bluetooth edition. While it was first introduced in 2017, this gaming headset was updated last year with slight changes to the design and minor improvement to wireless range among other things.

The Arctis 7 can be classified as a mid-range wireless headset with its acceptable $179 price tag and offers gamers stellar sound quality, low-latency connection, a capable microphone, and lengthy battery life. Its design is a good blend of classy and chic and is perfect for people who are looking to veer away from gaming headsets that are just too edgy or busy-looking.

SteelSeries Arctis 7 Features

Battery life

SteelSeries’ Arctis 7 sports an excellent battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge which obliterates the already impressive 16 hours of the Sennheiser GSP 670. This, of course, depends on a variety of factors so a 20-hour estimate would be more realistic but still very impressive.

Stand/Carry case

Aside from the cords and detachable boom mic, the Arctis 7 doesn’t come with any freebies so don’t go expecting a shiny stand or case.

Active/Passive Noise cancellation

The Arctis 7 isolates noises as well as you’d hope without the help of Active Noise Cancellation technology and can satisfactorily block out minor ambient sounds at home or when you’re out and about. Just don’t count on it to drown out the blaring sounds of your morning commute.

Software

Just like the other headsets in the SteelSeries roster, the Arctis 7 utilizes the SteelSeries Engine 3 software suite, allowing you to fiddle with the device’s audio range and output as well as toggling the 7.1 surround sound. While having to install the accompanying software just to enable the surround sound feature isn’t the worst thing in the world, it can still be a drag especially for console gamers looking for a plug and play experience.

Connectivity

The headset features wireless connectivity through a USB dongle that works perfectly fine with a PC, Playstation 4, and docked Nintendo Switch. It also comes with a 3.5mm cord that you can use to establish a wired connection with any of your devices. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll be missing out on some software-related features and different audio channels that are specific to wireless.

Sound Quality

While the Arctis 7’s bass is competent enough, it’s easily its weakest trait as the bass isn’t as pronounced and boosted as it is in some rival headsets. In video games, explosions and ambient rumble sounds may come across as underwhelming, especially for audiophiles who prefer deep, punchy bass. Music-wise, the bass comes across okay but isn’t as defined as some would like, particularly to those who enjoy bass-heavy music like Hip-Hop, R&B, and EDM.

The mids are excellent, though some of the lower ranges can cause muddled audio on account of the lacklustre bass. Trebles are fine for the most part, but there are some inconsistencies when it comes to low and mid-treble. Dips in the low-treble could reduce the clarity in video game voice-overs and song vocals, while the spike in mid-trebles may cause higher pitch syllables to sound shrill. Overall, the Arctis 7 isn’t the best gaming headset when it comes to audio quality but is competent enough to provide the average gamer with a great listening experience.

Microphone

The headset’s mic offers solid recording quality and is Discord-certified, meaning it automatically processes your voice in a way similar to how the app would. It also comes with remarkable noise-cancelling that’s capable of distinguishing your voice from loud sounds in your environment as if you were in a gaming event or internet cafe.

Surround Sound

The Arctis 7 features exceptional 7.1 surround sound technology, bringing games that properly support 3D audio to life. it’s especially useful in shooter titles like Escape from Tarkov and PUBG where you can place your enemies through the noises they make and the direction they’re coming from.

What’s SteelSeries Arctis 7 like to use?

As with most of the SteelSeries headsets, the Arctis 7 is exceedingly comfortable thanks to its signature adjustable velcro strap and supple earcups that don’t trap much heat. Unfortunately, it doesn’t handle movement very well and moderate twists and turns may be enough to dislodge it from your ears, let alone getting up and walking around. This is particularly disappointing since its a wireless headset and the freedom to move around should’ve been one of its upsides.

The headset works perfectly fine right out of the box and connecting it to your device of choice is painless thanks to the USB dongle. If you want to fine-tune your audio a little bit more, the accompanying SteelSeries Engine 3 is user-friendly and shouldn’t give you much trouble. Sadly, if you want to enjoy the surround sound feature, you have no choice but to download the app to enable it.

Operating the Arctis 7 is simple enough. On the bottom of the left earcup, there’s a volume dial, microphone button, and three ports:  a four-pin port, a Micro USB port, and a 3.5mm port. On the bottom of the right earcup lies the power button and a dial dedicated for switching between supported audio channels. The retractable mic can be extended from the left headphone and reaches around 10 cm in length.

Since the Arctis 7 utilizes a 2.4GHz wireless RF USB dongle, its flexibility and range of devices are more limited compared to Bluetooth capable headsets. In return, however, you can enjoy almost zero latency which is absolutely perfect for online gaming with friends.

Aesthetics

Unlike most gaming headsets, the Arctis 7 doesn’t go out of its way to make itself look like it’s meant for video games. There’s no elaborate RGB lighting or edgy, futuristic design. Just a couple of sleek, oval-shaped earcups and its trademark adjustable suspension headband that oozes style. The porous, over-sized earcups are comfortably padded to easily accommodate larger ears and provide ample airflow to avoid discomfort. While most of the headset is designed to be remarkably flexible, it’s also surprisingly sturdy and more than capable of withstanding the occasional bump or drop.

Final Thoughts

The SteelSeries Arctis 7’s has a lot to offer for a headset at its price range. Its low-key yet stylish design will appeal to gamers looking for a more toned down gaming headset, and its comfortable fit, lengthy battery life, and above-average sound quality make extended gaming sessions a delight. Shooter fans will adore the surround sound feature which can come increasingly handy in competitive matches. Even though its mediocre bass profile may turn off audiophiles and its lack of stability limits its use away from a couch or desk, the Arctis 7 remains one of the best mid-range wireless gaming headset options around.

The post SteelSeries Arctis 7 Review – Mid-range Headset Heaven? appeared first on Mr Gadget.

While the rig itself usually takes centre stage,  no gaming setup is complete without the right gaming keyboard. In a niche dominated by pricey mechanical keyboards, the Redgragon K502 aims to provide gamers with an affordable RGB solution and a quality membrane keyboard experience to round out your gaming station.

In this Redragon K502 review, we’re going to see just how well it stacks up against some of the more popular gaming keyboards and whether or not it’s worth sticking to a membrane-type device.

Don’t have the time to skim through the whole Redragon 502 review? Click on any of the links below to jump straight to that section:

What is the Redragon K502?

Redragon is a tech company focused on creating more affordable keyboards and mice for gamers. They released their first line of devices back in 2012 and have steadily become a growing influence in gaming hardware all across the globe.

With mechanical keyboards all but overtaking the gaming scene, gaming keyboards have become increasingly more expensive throughout the years, with some setting you back well over $200. By introducing the K502, Redragon offers an inexpensive RGB gaming keyboard to gamers on a budget by focusing on a high-quality membrane design as opposed to going mechanical.

That way, gamers can enjoy a great-looking backlit keyboard to go with their gaming rig for just under $60.

Features

Also known as the Redragon Karura 2, the K502 is a full-sized 104-key USB gaming keyboard complete with numpad and LED RGB switchable backlight colours. It sports a striking ergonomic black and red design with low-profile keys, meaning they’re shorter than usual and therefore create less noise when pressed while still maintaining a comfortable degree of tactile feedback.

This is great for people who prefer a quieter set up since keyboards that use mechanical switches are known for being quite loud. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, the K502 is still a membrane keyboard so it’ll be harder to clean, won’t feel as crisp, and likely won’t last as long as your standard mechanical keyboard.

Membrane switches also register only one stroke at any given time, increasing the likelihood of some inputs not registering at all. Any gamer worth their salt knows just how crucial every keystroke can be in video games.

The K502 features 6 different lighting modes, 4 brightness levels, and a host of different effects and breathing speeds. You can also choose to turn off the backlight altogether if you’re in a well-lit environment or just aren’t feeling so RGB-ish. Clumsy users will be glad to know that the keyboard is designed to be water-resistant against light spills, so a few accidental drops of Game Fuel won’t be the end of the world.

It comes with a built-in wrist/palm rest that elevates your hand for a more comfortable typing and gaming experience. You can’t remove the rest, however, since it’s designed to be part of the keyboard. The height-adjusting flip-up legs at the back of the keyboard lack rubber grips so it may cause the device to slip depending on what kind of table you’re using.

Redragon’s K502 offers dedicated media controls using the F1 – F12 keys in tandem with the FN key and is capable of interchanging the WASD and arrow keys which may prove remarkably useful in certain video games.

Redragon K502 Specs

Redragon K502 Design

The K502’s has “gamer” written all over it with its sexy black and red design, loud RGB backlights, and comfortable rubbery, matte-like finish.

The material its made from doesn’t track fingerprints, which is great for people (myself included) who despise the sight of fingerprints across their keyboard.

The keys are all laser-engraved, so the backlight is crisp and uniform all throughout. With its 6 different lighting modes and a bunch of effects to play around with, you’re bound to find your ideal RGB setting.

Unfortunately, since the K502 is mostly black in colour with a distinct streak of red towards its bottom part and a bright red cable, it’s only really suited for gaming setups that share the same two tones.

All in all, this Redragon keyboard punches far above its weight class in the looks department, especially considering how cheap it is, and can rival some of the more well-known competition, such as the Havit Mechanical Keyboard and HyperX Alloy Core RGB.

What’s it like to use?

While it isn’t quite at the level of a mechanical keyboard, the K502’s low-profile keys and well-designed wrist/palm rest ensure a quiet and comfortable typing and gaming experience. Using dedicated media controls is as simple as can be and switching the WASD and arrow keys only require you to press the FN and W keys simultaneously.

You can even lock the windows key so it won’t get in the way while playing video games. Its quietness is also worth noting since it’s a great characteristic for people who don’t particularly enjoy the crunchy sounds of a mechanical keyboard or for streamers who don’t want their mics to pick up keyboard noise. As a bonus, the K502 doesn’t get as slippery and oily as some keyboards do after extended use, which is a big plus.

Final Thoughts

With its gorgeous gamer-centric design and a wide array of RGB lighting and effects settings, the Redragon K502 is a comfortable and capable membrane keyboard that does its job quieter than most thanks to its low-profile keys.

While it doesn’t quite match up to mechanical keyboards when it comes to responsiveness and the ability to swap out keys, it’s a great keyboard nonetheless and one of the best budget gaming keyboards at its price range.

The post Redragon K502 Review – Great Value Budget Gaming Keyboard appeared first on Mr Gadget.

While smartphone gimbals are most commonly associated with vloggers, they’re known to be used by online streamers whenever they need to stream on-the-go. A nice portable one could also be perfect for people who just love taking awesome videos.

In this DJI Osmo Mobile 3 review, we’re going to find out if this little gadget lives up to DJI’s claim of being the “best phone gimbal for travelling”, and whether or not it’s as “easy to use” as they say.

Short on time? Simply click on one of the links below to jump right to that section of the Osmo Mobile 3 review:

What is the DJI Osmo Mobile 3?

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is DJI’s third release in the world of smartphone stabilisers. It is essentially a portable tri-axis gimbal that ensures a smartphone’s camera motion remains stable even if the holder moves about. This way you get a silky-smooth video that’s relatively free from all that nasty shakiness you usually get from jittery hands.

It improves upon its predecessor by adopting a foldable design making it even more compact. DJI has also added some quality of life features and extra shooting modes that we’ll get into a little later. While the Osmo Mobile 3 doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel by being foldable, DJI has opted to simplify the unfolding process by getting rid of the knobs and latches that are usually found on most phone gimbals. Instead, all you have to do is extend it and you’re good to go.

Folding it is just as easy. Just make sure that the middle axes are aligned correctly and you can collapse it back into its folded position, even with your phone still latched on. Mounting your phone is a painless process since the Osmo Mobile 3 utilizes a spring-loaded grip as opposed to the screws and knobs used by some of its competitors.

Budget-wise, the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 standard price point of $119 makes it one of the cheapest phone gimbals on the market so it’s not only lightweight but light on the wallet as well. It also comes in a Combo version which is $20 extra and includes a tripod and carrying case. As an added bonus, the device’s sleek design is quite easy on the eyes, if looks are a big deal for you.

Features

A big part of the Osmo Mobile 3’s beauty lies in its simplicity. The gimbal is designed in a way that allows its user to access most of its functions with just one hand. There’s a trigger on the front of the device that can be used to lock the gimbal, recentre it, enable Sport Mode, or switch from front to rear camera. Sport Mode makes the gimbal more sensitive to movements.

Aside from the trigger, there are two buttons and a joystick under where your thumb should be, and a slider on the left side of the device. You can use the joystick to adjust the position of your phone without having to physically touch it. The button on the lower right is known as the “M” button and has multiple functions, which includes switching from portrait to landscape view and vice versa. The slider allows you to quickly zoom in and out whenever needed.

Another thing that sets the Osmo Mobile 3 apart from its competitors is its patented DJI Mimo app which comes with a bunch of great shooting modes. Gesture Control lets you take a picture or start recording a video using simple gestures, which is perfect when you’re filming on your own. Story Mode helps you create cinematic videos by providing pre-made templates that add music, movement, and effects to your clips. Active Track is an especially useful feature that automatically tracks a person or object that you specify. The DJI Mimo app also allows for some of the smoothest Hyperlapse videos around.

Another thoughtful feature is the placement of the phone holder which makes it possible for you to charge your phone while you shoot. The one flaw in its design is its inability to accommodate larger phones with lenses or filters attached.

On top of all of these clever features, DJI hasn’t forgotten the simple pleasures in life. One of which is USB C. Thos won’t make or break your videos shoot, but from an organisation perspective, having USB C across as much of your gear as possible makes things so much easier from an organisation point of view.

Osmo Mobile 3 Specs

Design

Similar to its previous iterations, the Osmo Mobile 3 comes solely in grey but features a sleeker and curvier grip and axes compared to the last two generations. This new ergonomic grip has a 15° angle which is designed to feel more natural in your hand, increasing the level of comfort during extended use. DJI implemented the Osmo Mobile 3’s foldable design for both portability and functionality since phones can stay mounted even in its folded state. They’ve even optimized it further to allow you to use your phone while the gimbal is folded and on Standby Mode.

How does it feel?

Despite sporting a folding design, the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 feels sturdy and very well put together. Its ergonomic grip, coupled with its intricate button placement, ensure maximum comfort while filming for long periods especially while doing so using just one hand.

Osmo Mobile 3 Vs Zhiyun Smooth 4

Due to their similar price points and features, the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is often compared to the Zhiyun Smooth 4. So how well does it match up in terms of specs?

Well, first off, the Osmo Mobile 3’s foldable design means it takes up much less space. Its weight of 405 grams is also significantly lighter than the Smooth 4’s weight of 547 grams, making it overall superior in terms of portability. DJI claims that the Osmo Mobile 3’s battery can last up to 15 hours, which is 3 hours longer than the Smooth 4’s alleged 12-hours battery life. While it all comes down to user preference, the Osmo Mobile 3 takes advantage of the patented DJI Mimo app that’s known for its ease-of-use, making it the more attractive choice for the average user.

Final Thoughts

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is pretty much as good as it gets for its price range. Its lightweight and foldable design make it perfect for travelling, while DJI’s stellar Mimo app makes creating cinematic videos easier than ever. The gimbal’s button placement that’s geared toward one-handed use is also incredibly comfortable and well-thought-out, while its 15-hour battery life just can’t be beat. Its only minor blemish remains its inability to cater to larger phones with filters or lenses.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Review Summary

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is an extremely well-built gimbal that sits at the top of its class for its price point. Its foldable design and remarkably lightweight truly attest to DJI’s claim of it being the ideal travel companion. Easily one of the best budget smartphone gimbals around that can please both novices and veterans alike.

FAQs

The post DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Review – Phone Gimbal Heaven? appeared first on Mr Gadget.

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If you’re short on time, feel free to skip ahead to different sections of the Jlabs Jbud Air review:

Who should consider buying the Jbuds Air?

The Jlabs JBuds are a very good purchase if you fall into these categories:

People on a budget. The majority of wireless earbuds in the same price bracket are terrible no-name products on Amazon. The Jbuds actually deserve your consideration.

Gym-goes & Runners. Surprisingly, the Jbuds Air has an IP55 rating meaning they won’t be damaged by some sweat or rain.

People new to the wireless earbud market. Wireless earbuds are incredibly convenient but also easy to lose and require battery management. Because these are so cheap, it’s a good test to see if this type of product works for you.

What are the Jbuds Air like to use?

Honestly, I am very impressed with the Jbuds Air ability to compete against more premium true wireless earbuds. Of course, I am lowering the bar due to the insanely low price, but honestly, there is nothing about them that automatically rule them out. They do cut corners with material choice (plastic, plastic, plastic) and functionality, but honestly, I enjoyed the time I spent reviewing the Jbuds Air.

Pairing the Jbuds Air

Pairing these guys is easy as pie thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0, which delivers a stable and strong connection up to meters away. To pair the Jbuds Air, simply open the case and hold down the button on both earbuds for 3 seconds. This will connect each earbud to one another. Once this process is complete the right earbud will flash blue and white, letting you know they are ready to pair to your phone. Simple open your Bluetooth settings and connect.

I found this process to be a little more involved than the majority of other true wireless earbuds, but what can you expect for the price point. They’re a long way away from the seamless set-up of the Pixel Buds 2 or Apple AirPods Pro, but it’s still super easy.

Comfort

The Jbuds Air is a little clunkier and larger than most other wireless earbuds but remains lightweight due to the all-plastic casing and come in at just 6 grams per earbud. This is certainly on the lighter end of the scale but isn’t enough to make them a comfortable fit.

However, if your ears on the larger side of things the Jbud Air may work for you, but they didn’t work for me. After just 20 minutes they became an annoyance and after 45 minutes I had to give my ears a rest from the discomfort.

Jlabs does include 3 separate pair of ear tips to accommodate different-sized ears, which is commendable at this price point, but they weren’t enough to make these comfortable for me. There is also the inclusion of cush-fins to provide better in-ear stability, which again, is a generous inclusion at this price point, but didn’t do much to improve comfort.

Controls

The Jbuds Air has surprisingly good controls for such a budget pair. And utilise a single button per earbud approach to managing the device. The buttons control is a little frustrating and finicky but I did get used to them pretty quickly.

The required multiple clicks on the eardrum area in combination with the large plastic casing is a bad combo. So, I learned quite quickly that it’s best if hold the buds in place while pressing the button to avoid discomfort.

The left earbud is used to control volume down and to skip back a track, while the right ear does the opposite. You can switch through three different audio presets (more on that later) with three clicks on either earbud and activate the voice assistant with a double-click on the right earbud. Play and pause are controlled by a double click on the left earbud.

You can see why they take a little bit of getting used to but honestly, the controls are decent enough.

Jbuds Air Battery Life

OK, this is where I started to really notice the cost-cutting. The Jbuds Air holds a measly 3 hours of battery in the bud. This is certainly enough for 90% of people working out or for your daily commute, but three hours means they’ll have to be charged daily for more people. 3 hours of battery life isn’t the end of the world, but it did require me to make sure they were fully charged at the beginning of each day.

Thankfully the charging case holds an additional 10 hours of juice and can fully recharge the earbuds in around an hour and a half. It’s not brilliant, but again, these are cheap!

Charging Case

The pillbox-shaped charging case is made from the same plastic present on the earbuds. Yes, it does look a little cheap, but honestly, it doesn’t look too bad in person. There is an integrated USB cable that folds in neatly to the underside of the case. This is a good idea, but what happens if it breaks?

Jlabs has stated that it should survive 10,000 bends before it shows signs of damage, but I’ve heard this before. It’s also a USB A cable and these ports are becoming rarer and rarer. However, it is one less cable to carry around with you!

Overall the Jlab Jbuds Air charging case does its job well enough. It doesn’t have the sophisticated design of the Sony WF-1000XM3 or the tiny form factor of the AirPods Pro, but it does hold up well for the price.

Are they good for workouts?

Yes, the Jbuds Air are an excellent choice for workouts. The IP55 rating and 3-hour battery life make a good combo for exercise. You won’t have to worry about sweat damage and the three hours battery will get you through all but the longest workouts. The only thing to consider is the discomfort, but it may not be as uncomfortable for others as it was for me.

Also, if you happen to drop a weight on them, well you’re only out 50 bucks!

Are they good for productivity & focus?

No, not really. They have no noise cancellation, a very average microphone and become uncomfortable quite quickly. For me personally, I found these to be more a distraction rather than productivity aid!

Are they good for commuting?

They’re OK. They play music which will remove some of the sounds around you, but they don’t block out much noise. The three hours will get through most commuted back and forth on a single charge but will require a recharge in the evening.

Worthy of a listening experience?

Maybe. Let’s me be clear, these are far from audiophile-grade but do compete with wireless earbuds much more expensive than the Jbuds Air. I’d say they’re close to the original AirPods in sound quality but miles away from the Sennheiser True Momentum 2.

Bass

The bass is easily the weakest part of the sound profile. Bass-heavy tracks can become distorted during intense bass sections, and in others, the bass almost disappears. It’s a bit disorientating and disappointing.

Mids

The mids are the best part of the sound profile. It is very well balanced and supports lead vocals and instruments very clearly.

Treble

The treble is well represented in the Jbuds Air. The highs come through crips and clear and only very occasionally sound piercing. The piercing effect is very rare but it is present at high volume on the very high pitched sections of a track.

Aesthetics

The aesthetic is simple and functional. These won’t win any design awards but the low-key, functional design won’t offend anyone either. The same can be said about the case. Sure, it’s a bit bland but it’s usually in your pocket or bag anyway.

If the aesthetic is an important factor in your purchasing decision, it’s hard to recommend these, but if you’re not fussed by this type of thing, the Jbud Air design is fine.

Jlabs Jbud Air Review Summary

The Jlabs Jbud Air punch well above their weight class and may be the best value for money true wireless earbud available. For the low price you do miss out on a lot of the useful features found elsewhere but the core functionality is present, and they don’t look bad either.

If you just want a pair of simple wireless earbuds for working out, then these are for you. If you want a pair of wireless earbuds that enhances your music, then you’ll have to look elsewhere!

I’d be happy to recommend the Jbud Air to somebody new to the market and wants to dip their toe in before forking out $200+ dollars for a more premium pair.

Jbuds Air Price

You can pick up very the Jlabs JBuds very cheaply on Amazon. I told you these guys were cheap. It’s worth spending some time finding the best deal because different vendors sell them at slightly different rates. Some of them offer free shipping, some don’t.

Jlabs JBuds

See at Amazon

FAQs

Full Spec List

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